"Toaster on Wheels" - The Most Customizable Car - Scion Xb

The Xb by Scion

A Car for the Future

The Toaster on Wheels...as some call it

Stand Out Features

The first thing that I noticed when test driving the Scion Xb was the speedometer, it is in the center of the dash board all in one circle. With a small rectangle box for warning lights, odometer, and etc. It takes a few days to get accustomed with looking at the center of the dash, yet I feel as if it adds to the futuristic design and functionality.

Large and spacious back seats. I originally had the notion that the Xb model would not accommodate adults in the back seat, however stepping into the rear I felt as if I was in a suburban. Very large seats, extra wide leg room space, and you do not feel as if you will hit your head on the ceiling. It can accommodate two large and/or tall adults comfortably in the rear. All three seats in the rear have head rests.

Storage is key! Lots of small and hidden compartments with collapsible seats to provide with ample storage. The back seats quickly and easily fold down to provide you enough room a love seat equal to that of a small truck bed. The rear compartments contain the tire and a separate hidden compartment to store such things as a laptop or other valuable. Underneath the CD player and various heating/air controls you will see a flip down door that is very handy for glasses and cash (it is lined with fabric). The drivers side compartment that commonly stores the car manual can hold three or four of the manuals. Cup holders and other compartments can be found all over the car.

Standard Features

CD Player
Tinted Windows
Scion Alarm System
Customizable Rims (Three options)

Scion Pricing

Toyota designed the Scion in mind of a young generation that wants to customize there cars but does not want to haggle for a low price. Therefore Scion has a saying that the price you see is the price you pay, just like going to a supermarket and buying a candy bar for the standard price of about $0.59. You can go to any dealership anywhere and find the same low price, no need to argue and play games, its simple.

Everything extra is on the sticker and will show you the price for the desired car. The only features added by the dealership are the extended warranties which can cost around $3000 for their standard 55k +100K mile warranties.

Accessories

LED Lights: These are particularly interesting, installed below the pedals and cup holders to create an ambient that is inviting.

Decals: For less that $300 you can add a decal that will dazzle your friends and set you apart from the rest.

Cruise Control: $400 for cruise control.

Armrest: $150 for an armrest that also has a cup holder on the rear

Door Sills: Interesting door sills that protect the car and add small appeal.

Rims: You have the choice of three rims, however you can upgrade to larger rims and wheels as well.

Fog Lights: I do not remember the price, but well worth it, adds a lot of appeal and is very useful, easy to install.

CD Player w/ Ipod Connection: $260 or so for the CD player with ipod connection, the connection and aux switch are located near the park break, a very convenient location.

Mats: $60 for the standard mats by Scion with there embroidered logo.

and much more

Gas Millage

Overall I found that it gets about 30 mpg. On the freeway at cruising speeds of 55 to 65 you can get around 40 mpg, but this depends on how the driver handles the car. A 10 gallon tank that requires standard unleaded fuel.

Down Sides

Noise from the rear tire compartment, I strongly recommend purchasing some wheel compartment insulation that would reduce the noise greatly and add to a better driving experience. This noise is worse for the people in the back seat.

Low to the Ground: The car is extremely low to the ground, so if you ever get to close to a curb you will loose a bumper or damage something important. Yet the car is very small and therefore never needs to edge up to the curb to fit in. I recently parked in a compact space with the Xb, there was enough space to walk around the car within the white lines.

No standard armrests.

In the End

Go online, click on create a car and add the desired features, colors and everything. In the end it will give you the final price that you will pay at the dealer. Go to the dealer ask to test drive, if you don't like it after the test drive or are not convinced the car is your style, walk away so that you don't get sold on the car. I feel that this car is unique, as some call it a toaster on wheels, that appeals to a specific audience. I love the car and plan to keep mine for years to come, especially since I have the extended warranty, no problems or hassles for the next 5 or 6 years. It is one of the most affordable and customizable cars you will ever find.

[Retails as low as: $15600 I believe, I purchased the car for $20,000 after all taxes and warranties.]